At 21:52, Putin commends robust trade ties with China.
21:20 Denial of Release: Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Remains ImprisonedThe former Russian Deputy Defense Minister, Dmitri Bulgakov, will continue to spend time behind bars. His plea for house arrest under strict conditions and his appeal against his detention were both denied, as reported by the Russian state news agency TASS. Bulgakov was accountable for obtaining materials for the Russian military before his dismissal. Furthermore, the Moscow court has also ordered the incarceration of two alleged collaborators of Bulgakov. Their company is believed to have secured nine contracts from Bulgakov between 2022 and 2024. Estimated damages total around 50 million rubles, approximately 500,000 euros, as indicated by the intermediaries.
21:00 Strengthening Troops in Pokrovsk: Statement by ZelenskyyAs per President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine is bolstering its troops in the highly contested region of Pokrovsk in the eastern part of the country. In a televised speech, he expressed awareness of the Russian troops' intentions in the region. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian advance in the Russian region of Kursk persists, according to Zelenskyy. He did not provide specific details regarding the territories under Ukrainian control.
20:41 Consequences of Decree: Ukrainians in Hungary Face Eviction from Refugee SheltersPost implementation of a decree in Hungary that denies general refugee status to Ukrainian refugees, numerous Ukrainians in the country now face the possibility of being displaced from their shelters. Private refugee shelters have already started evicting Ukrainians, as reported by the organization Migration Aid. In Kocs, north of Budapest, around 120 refugees were forced to leave a guesthouse under police supervision, as observed by a photographer from the news agency AFP. Most of the evacuees were Roma women and children from the west Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, which has a significant Hungarian minority.
20:14 Assurance of Support: Scholz to MoldovaIn spite of the turmoil in his coalition, Scholz, following his return from vacation, paid a visit to Moldova, a neighbor to Ukraine that is currently facing significant destabilization from Russia. Scholz promised Germany's solidarity and additional aid for the EU candidate country, as well as continued support for Ukraine. However, a pact with Moldova to curb irregular immigration, a goal pursued by the German government, could not be signed during this visit. "We will support the Republic of Moldova to the best of our ability," Scholz stated after his meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Chisinau. He highlighted that Russia and pro-Russian actors in Moldova were attempting to destabilize the country.
19:36 Advocacy for Use of Western Weapons: Borrell Supports UkraineGiven the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk, Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has advocated for allowing Kyiv to employ western weapons within Russian territory. Borrell explained that such a decision would strengthen "Ukraine's self-defense and save lives while causing less devastation in Ukraine."
19:10 Ukrainian Air Force Strikes Targets Near KurskThe Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Mykola Oleschchuk, announced successful raids by Ukrainian combat aircraft during the conflict in the western Russian region of Kursk. Guided bombs were used against Russian positions and troop gatherings, although Russian forces have started incorporating abandoned homes into their defenses. "We see everything, we know everything," Oleschchuk wrote on Telegram. "Our guided bombs will locate you anywhere." Guided bombs refer to precision-guided munitions that can be remotely controlled by pilots. During the battle in the Kursk region, two significant bridges over the Seim River were destroyed by Ukrainian combat aircraft. Oleschchuk did not specify which types of aircraft Ukraine deployed in its attacks. According to Ukrainian military analysts, the F-16 fighter jets provided by the West have not been utilized as yet.
18:44 Russian Attacks in Eastern Ukraine: Villagers Flee Their HomesAmidst the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine, several villagers have chosen to relocate due to the increased attacks. Inhabitants of the Myrnohrad village, located 10 kilometers away from the combat zones, informed the AFP news agency that the escalating Russian attacks had driven several individuals to flee. AFP reporters at the scene saw several houses in Myrnohrad being set ablaze following Russian assaults.
18:04 Energy Cooperation Talks: Russia and ChinaRussia and China have discussed the prospect of strengthening their cooperation in the energy sector during a visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Moscow. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin told his guest that Russia is currently the number one supplier of oil to China. "In the near future, we will also inherit first place in natural gas," Mishustin stated, as reported by the Russian state news agency TASS. Li Qiang emphasized the expanding scale and quality of energy collaboration while visiting Russia. Although Beijing views the Russian conflict in Ukraine as a disruption of international order, it typically supports Russia's stance on the matter.
17:33 Ukraine Joins International Criminal Court with a Exception Ukraine has joined the International Criminal Court, but holds a temporary exemption for its military. The parliament in Kyiv voted 281-1 with 22 abstentions to ratify the Rome Statute of the ICC, as announced by MP Yaroslav Shelesnyak on Telegram. Ukraine signed the Rome Statute in January 2000 but had not ratified it until now. The Statute is the foundation for the International Criminal Court (ICC) located in The Hague, which prosecutes crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. However, the legislation passed by the parliament stipulates that Ukraine will not acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction over war crimes involving Ukrainian citizens for a period of seven years. This is due to fears that the army's actions against Russian forces could be seen as war crimes.
17:15 Russia is the Sole Country to Turn Down Switzerland's UN Visit Invitation Russia is the sole country to reject an invitation from Switzerland for members of the UN Security Council to visit Switzerland on August 25 and 26, according to a spokesperson from the Swiss Foreign Ministry. Diplomats from the other 13 countries will visit Geneva, but Russia's representative in New York declined participation without providing a reason. Russia has referred to Switzerland as an "unfriendly state" since it adopted EU sanctions against Russia in response to the Ukraine attack. Switzerland is currently serving as one of the ten non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the first time, alongside the five permanent members (Russia, China, USA, UK, France) and the current non-permanent members (Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia). The term for non-permanent members is two years. The purpose of the visit is to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
16:49 Moscow Mayor: Moscow Experiences One of the Largest Drone Attacks since War's Beginning Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the latest Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow as one of the largest since the commencement of the war two and a half years ago. Some of the drones were destroyed in the region surrounding the city of Podolsk, about 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin, Sobyanin wrote on Telegram. According to Russia's Defense Ministry, 11 flight objects heading towards the capital region were neutralized, culminating in the shooting down of a total of 45 drones across Russia. Russia retaliated against Ukraine by launching nearly 70 drones overnight, the majority of which were reportedly intercepted by the Ukrainian air force. Fighting continues in eastern Ukraine and the Russian border region of Kursk. "This is one of the largest attempts to attack Moscow with drones to date," Sobyanin said. The attack was resisted, and no damage was reported.
16:20 Head of Ukrainian Orthodox Church Encourages Pro-Moscow Christians to Convert The head of the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy, has urged believers of the prohibited pro-Moscow orthodoxy to convert. The parliament in Kyiv banned all religious organizations in Ukraine linked to Russia on Tuesday. "The law allows all religious structures that have not yet done so to fully sever ties with Moscow," Epifaniy said on Ukrainian news television. "And on our part, we once again call on all Orthodox Christians in Ukraine who have not yet done so to finally cast off this Russian yoke."
15:54 Indian PM Modi Advocates for 'Return to Peace' Ahead of Ukraine Visit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Warsaw as part of a landmark tour of Eastern Europe. Modi is the first Indian head of government to visit Poland in 45 years. On Friday, Modi will become the first Indian prime minister to visit Ukraine. Prior to his departure, Modi called for a "return to peace" in Ukraine. As a "friend and partner" of Kyiv, India hopes for a "prompt return of peace and stability in the region," he wrote in online media.
15:28 Elections in Kursk to be Postponed in Seven Communities Due to the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk, Russia has postponed local elections in seven communities in the region. "The Central Election Commission supports the recommendation of the Kursk Region Election Commission to postpone the elections in seven municipalities," the commission said. Elections will be held once "a guarantee of the safety of voters" can be ensured, the commission added. Elsewhere in the Kursk region, voting for the governor will still take place between August 28 and September 8 as planned. The Ukrainian army has claimed control over dozens of villages in the region since launching an offensive on August 6. Russian sources suggest that over 120,000 civilians have fled the area.
15:07 Ukraine Acknowledges Using Western Weapons on Russian Soil Ukraine admits to utilizing US HIMARS rockets to target replacement bridges over the Seim River in Russia. "Where are these ponton bridges in the Kursk region heading to? Task forces are systematically destroying them," Ukrainian special forces stated on the Telegram messaging service. US HIMARS rocket systems are being employed in the operation. This is the first time Ukraine has publicly acknowledged using these Western weapons in its aggression against Russian territory. Countries such as the US and Germany have not voiced objections to this. However, Russia has criticized it as a further escalation of the conflict. Military analysts had already suspected that HIMARS rockets played a role in the demolition of at least three of the original bridges over the Seim.
14:52 Debated Departure of Ukrainian Drones Near Moscow's BorderUkrainian drones have reportedly ventured close to Moscow once more. Various recordings show drone downings and fiery explosions in the air, with Russian forces claiming at least ten aerial vehicles destroyed. The situation remains unclear as to whether any harm or losses have occurred.
14:25 Berlin spokesperson: "Russia Displays No Interest in Peace Negotiations"The German government asserts that Russia demonstrates no inclination towards peace negotiations to curtail the conflict. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated, "Russia has no interest in negotiations." Instead, rather than discussing peaceful resolution with Ukraine, Moscow advocates for territorial annexation that Russian forces do not even control. The Ukrainian forces are pushed to secure appropriate weapons in order to fend off the aggressive invasion, a spokesperson mentioned, reflecting ongoing election campaign demands in Thuringia and Saxony to halt weapon deliveries and strategically pursue diplomatic channels.
13:53 Mutual Assurance between Putin and Kadyrov in ChechnyaFor the first time in more than a decade, Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited Chechnya once again, welcomed by strongman Ramsan Kadyrov. The two leaders exchange assurances of their backing, as Kadyrov presents Putin with a gift. However, their friendship is not absolute, clarifies ntv reporter Rainer Munz.
13:30 Moscow Declares Capture of Another Eastern Ukraine VillageAccording to their report, the Russian military has seized another village in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. The army claims to have freed the village of Shelanne, as reported by the Moscow Defense Ministry in their daily briefing. Located northeast of Donetsk, which falls under Russian control, Shelanne is approximately 20 kilometers from the logistics hub city of Prokhorovka, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War, which indicates that the location was already conquered on August 18.
12:57 Ukraine Paves the Way to Join International Criminal CourtThe Ukrainian parliament has approved the Rome Statute, enabling Ukraine to join the International Criminal Court. This significant milestone serves as a stepping stone towards closer relations with the EU, with the court having previously issued international arrest warrants, including against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
12:45 Russian Aerial Attacks on Ukraine: Dozens of Drones Shot DownAccording to Ukrainian military reports, more than 50 Russian attack drones were shot down overnight. Around 16 additional drones may have been downed by electronic jammers, as reported by the military. One drone managed to return to Russia, while the others were brought down. In total, Ukraine combated 69 drones, with one coming from Belarus. Russia also utilized two ballistic missiles and a cruise missile during the attack. Only the cruise missile was successfully intercepted. No information regarding damages or casualties is currently available. Moscow has yet to provide a statement.
12:22 Ukrainian Defense in Pokrovsk Under PressureMilitary reports suggest that Ukrainian troops in eastern Ukraine are continuing to face intense Russian attacks. The Kyiv General Staff registered 66 Russian attacks on the Pokrovsk front alone, all of which were repelled. Battles are currently underway for several villages positioned along the pathway to Pokrovsk, which remains about 10 km away. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi acknowledges the challenging situation, as Russian sources indicate that the Ukrainian defense in Pokrovsk is faltering. Russian military bloggers have reported advancement of their troops.
11:50 Medvedev's Stance: "Negotiations Only After Complete Ukrainian Defeat"Should Ukraine engage in negotiations with Russia? Medvedev, the ex-Russian President who has recently taken a more hardline stance, suggests a slim possibility. Medvedev, current Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, published on his Telegram channel that given Ukraine's progress in Kursk, dialogue between the two parties seems unlikely. He asserts that negotiations will not be initiated until Ukraine is defeated on the battlefield in its entirety. "The empty talks about peaceful reconciliation by self-proclaimed mediators have come to an end, though they may not be able to openly admit it," said Medvedev. "There will be no negotiations until Ukraine is completely and utterly defeated."
11:22 Escalating Conflict and Russian Mercenaries in AfricaRussian mercenaries continue to play a significant role in Africa, one year following Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's demise in a plane crash. ACLED analysts foresee Wagner's impact on the continent to persist, as occurred in the first half of 2024, with more political violence linked to Russian mercenaries than during Prigozhin's lifetime. Prigozhin had established a private army since 2014, with Wagner mercenaries fighting in Ukraine, Syria, and predominantly African nations in line with Russian interests. In June 2023, Wagner spearheaded a rebellion against the Kremlin, resulting in Prigozhin's plane crash on August 23, 2023, marking the end of his life and his closest associates.
Militaristic rant or employ-related issues? A clip on Telegram features a man in military attire from Kursk yelling at men attempting to flee. Contrary to expectations, this individual isn't a military personnel, but Kirill Suworow, a 39-year-old embalmer from St. Petersburg, as revealed by Russian opposition news agency Agentstvo. In this video, Suworow chides the male inhabitants of the region, asking, "What the hell are you doing? Where are you headed, my darlings?" He advises them to obtain weapons or, if unsuccessful, to dig trenches for troops using shovels. Suworow also encourages locals to donate their automobiles to the military rather than fleeing. In response to inquiries from Agentstvo, the entrepreneur, who is also the CEO of a granite plant, reiterates his criticism of the men from Kursk. When asked if he would participate in the war himself, he remains silent.
10:26 Pentagon: Ukraine has "overwhelmingly troubled" RussiaThe United States Department of Defense concludes that Russia is experiencing challenges addressing Ukraine's counteroffensive in the Russian region of Kursk. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder claims that there are signs of Moscow dispatching limited units to the area, but overall, he states, "Russia is truly struggling to respond." Ryder highlights that Ukraine has "overwhelmingly troubled" Russia. Ukrainian forces continue advancing into the region. Following the launch of the counteroffensive around two weeks ago, Ukraine has, for the first time, extended the conflict onto Russian territory. Ryder emphasizes that the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kursk does not influence U.S. support for Kyiv.
10:03 At the Eastern Front, three Russians for every UkrainianUkrainian President Zelenskyy acknowledges a challenging situation on the Eastern Front. As reported by ntv journalist Nadja Kriewald from the region, the situation is "dramatic," with Russian soldiers significantly outnumbering Ukrainian forces. Moreover, the Kremlin is not transparent regarding its own casualties.
09:37 Kyiv: Ukrainian military strikes Russian air defense system in RostovThe Ukrainian military claims to have destroyed an air defense system in the Russian region of Rostov. According to the General Staff, it involved a system of S300 anti-aircraft missiles. Russia has employed this type of missile in attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian strike targeted a missile system near the settlement of Novoshakhtinsk. Explosions were reported at specific locations, and the accuracy of the hit is still under investigation. The governor of Rostov, Vasili Golubev, reports that the Russian air force destroyed a rocket launched from Ukraine over the region. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense does not mention this in its daily situation report.
09:09 Drone attack disrupts Moscow airportsMoscow airports experienced temporary limitations due to the drone attack during the night. As reported by air traffic control on Telegram, these restrictions lasted for four hours until 6:30 AM local time at the airports of Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Sheremetyevo. The main airport of Sheremetyevo was not affected. The Russian air force destroyed eleven drones targeting Moscow. Mayor of the capital, Sergei Sobyanin, labels it as one of the largest drone attacks on Moscow.
08:41 SPD foreign policy expert: "This imperialistic colossus Putin is conquerable"Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth, advocates for strong support for Ukraine, especially during this "difficult phase." "The only path to forcing Putin to the negotiating table is if he realizes he cannot defeat Ukraine. And that can only occur if we, Germany, Europe, but also the USA and numerous other allies, keep supplying Ukraine as effectively as possible, militarily," says the SPD politician on ntv. The Ukrainian actions comply with international law. Looking at the successes on Russian territory, he is delighted that people in Ukraine can regain courage after a long time. "Because it becomes apparent that this imperialistic colossus Putin is conquerable," says Roth.
08:12 Woidke challenges financial assistance for UkrainiansBrandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke is questioning the financial assistance for refugees from Ukraine. "The decision was appropriate at the time because we needed to help promptly. Today, we must ask ourselves if this form of assistance is still relevant," he told "Der Spiegel". In other EU countries, many more individuals from Ukraine are employed than in Germany. "We must adjust that. It would benefit our economy - we need workers - and promote integration," says Woidke. A new state parliament will be elected in Brandenburg in September.
07:08 German Military boosts security in barracksThe German Military is ramping up security measures in all barracks. As reported by "Der Spiegel", the barracks have been instructed to closely inspect the outer perimeters of all facilities for any vulnerabilities and monitor them more vigilantly, especially at night. Soldiers are urged to keep an eye out for unauthorized individuals in sensitive areas and report any suspicions promptly. This action is in response to reports of unauthorized individuals in secured areas. A high-ranking official confides to "Der Spiegel" that the protection of German barracks is still operating in "peacekeeping mode". Entrance and exit controls are typically handled by private service providers, as well as patrols along the barracks' fences.
06:40 Habeck: Alternative Support for Ukraine if G7 Funding failsFederal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck pledges ongoing support for Ukraine, regardless of whether the proposed $1 billion in aid from G7 nations materializes. "The G7 have activated all necessary resources: Ukraine will receive funding to procure the necessary weapons systems in the future," the Green politician told Funke Mediengruppe. "That's correct and it will come to fruition by the end of the year - as far as I'm aware," Habeck stated. Ukraine will then receive 50 billion, with an additional 4 billion from the federal budget in 2025. If this doesn't occur, "we must revisit the matter," Habeck advocates. The commitment to Ukraine "remains firm and unwavering." Then, support "must be provided in a different manner." Habeck acknowledges that transitioning to the planned G7 model could pose challenges "if new orders cannot be placed because the existing budget allocations have been exhausted." He proposes a practical solution: "To ensure that the weapons systems are ordered now and paid for later from the G7 funds." It would be catastrophic if Ukraine were to lose this conflict, as it would imperil the liberty of Europe.
06:08 Incursion into Kursk: Moscow accuses Western SpiesRussia alleges, according to a newspaper report, that Western intelligence services are behind the latest Ukrainian incursion into the Russian region of Kursk. "The operations of Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region were prepared with the assistance of the intelligence services of the USA, Britain, and Poland," the Russian newspaper "Izvestia" quotes Moscow's Foreign Intelligence Service SVR. The involved units reportedly coordinated their combat operations in training centers in Britain and Germany. Military advisors from NATO nations are said to have guided units of Ukrainian forces that have entered Russian territory, as well as in the handling of Western weapons and military equipment by the Ukrainians. The alliance nations are also said to have provided the Ukrainian military with satellite reconnaissance data on the deployment of Russian troops in the operational area.
05:39 Russian Sources: All Sejm Bridges Damaged or DestroyedUkrainian forces have reportedly damaged or destroyed all three bridges over the Sejm River in western Russia, according to Russian sources. Ukrainian attacks on the three Sejm bridges in Kursk could lead to the encirclement of Russian troops between the river, the Ukrainian advance into Russia, and the border between the two nations. They appear to be slowing down the Russian response to the Kursk offensive, which Ukraine initiated on August 6.
04:30 Russia Reports Massive Ukrainian Drone AssaultRussia reports a massive Ukrainian drone attack on various regions. According to authorities, three drones were shot down approximately 38 kilometers south of the Kremlin and 15 more in the border region of Bryansk. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin previously reported that three drones heading towards Moscow were intercepted over the city of Podolsk. No harm or injuries have been reported in Bryansk or Podolsk. Reports of thwarted attacks also come from the regions of Tula and Rostov, with no reports of harm or injuries as of yet. The exact number of launched drones and missiles remains unclear. Ukraine usually does not comment on such incidents.
03:50 Putin and Kadyrov Inspect Troops in ChechnyaFor the first time in 13 years, Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the North Caucasian republic of Chechnya. Alongside Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, he inspects troops and volunteers preparing for deployment to Ukraine. "As long as we have men like you, we are absolutely invincible," Putin tells the troops at the Russian University for Special Forces, a training school in the Chechen town of Gudermes, according to the Kremlin's website. The unscheduled visit takes place against the backdrop of recent Ukrainian incursions into the Russian region of Kursk. Kadyrov reports to Putin at a separate meeting that Chechnya has dispatched over 47,000 fighters to Ukraine since the start of the conflict, including approximately 19,000 volunteers. Kadyrov often refers to himself as "Putin's foot soldier."
02:44 Russian Air Defense Repels Drone Attack on Moscow
Russia claims to have repelled a drone attack on the capital Moscow. According to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Telegram, three drones launched from Ukraine were shot down by air defense. Initial reports suggest there were no casualties or damage from falling debris.
The Russian FSB confirms the detention of a suspected traitor. This anonymous individual is said to have admitted to executing cyber assaults on crucial infrastructure at Ukraine's request, transferring funds to the Ukrainian military, and amassing information about Russia's military. The FSB did not specify when the individual was arrested. Russian media is circulating a video that supposedly depicts the arrest, with snow visible in the background. According to Ostoroschno Nowosti Telegram channel, the individual is a physicist who was reportedly apprehended in December 2023, as stated by earlier media reports.
00:59 Zelensky Commends Ban of Moscow-Loyal Orthodox Church Branch in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commends the parliament for enacting a law that bans a Moscow-aligned faction of the Orthodox Church. "I want to commend the work of the Verkhovna Rada, which has passed the law for our spiritual independence," Zelensky states in his daily video address. The parliament, after extended deliberations, outlawed the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which had been affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate for decades. The branch is accused of justifying or colluding with the adversary's atrocities against its own population. The church officially severed ties with Moscow but continues to recognize the Moscow Patriarch, who supports Russia's war in Ukraine and is an ally of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
23:07 Pentagon: Russia Struggles to Respond to Ukrainian Advance in Kursk
The U.S. Defense Department estimates that Russia is having trouble responding to Ukraine's counter-offensive in the Kursk region. There are indications that Moscow is sending a small number of units to the area, says Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder in Washington. "But overall, I would say Russia is really struggling to respond." The Ukraine has "definitely put its opponent on the defensive," Ryder emphasizes. When asked if the U.S. is publicly backing the Ukrainian advance, Ryder does not directly answer but refers to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who stated it's about creating a buffer zone. He indicates they are conversing with Kyiv to learn more about the specific objectives.
22:10 Zelensky: Balance Required Between Troop Mobilization and Economy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between mobilizing troops and preserving the war-ravaged economy. During his visit to a factory in Kropyvnytskyi in central Ukraine, Zelensky replies to a worker's question by asserting that occupied workplaces are vital for soldiers' salaries and Ukraine's defense efforts.
21:44 Ukraine Reports Further Territorial Gains in KurskThe Ukraine has advanced further in Russia's Kursk region by 28 to 35 kilometers, according to Ukraine's own reports. Russia is reinforcing its positions there with troops from other areas, says Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj in a televised statement. Additionally, Russia is deploying units to Pokrovsk in the east of Ukraine, where the most intense fighting has been taking place recently. Russia has yet to comment on this.
21:25 Putin Visits Chechnya for the First Time in 13 YearsRussian President Vladimir Putin is visiting the Russian republic of Chechnya for the first time in 13 years to meet with strongman Ramzan Kadyrov. Images released by the news agency RIA Novosti depict Putin shaking hands with Kadyrov in Grozny. Afterwards, the Russian president puts his arm around Kadyrov's shoulder and embraces him before they depart in a limousine. Kadyrov writes on Telegram about a "full schedule" of events. Despite the exhausting day, Putin is "brimming with energy and eager to visit several places in Chechnya".
21:02 Scholz: Ukraine Receives "A Lot of Money, Incredible Amount of Money"Chancellor Olaf Scholz is shocked by the allegation that Germany is not adequately supporting Ukraine. This year, Ukraine is set to receive over seven billion euros, more than any other European nation, Scholz explains on the Sat1 TV channel. Next year, it will be four billion euros from the federal budget - also more than any other European country. In addition, there are the 50 billion dollars that the western G7 nations are facilitating with the help of frozen Russian assets. "That's a lot of money, that's an incredible amount of money," Scholz emphasizes. However, it remains unclear when the 50 billion will become available to Ukraine.
20:14 Putin Compares Beslan School Seizure to Ukrainian AdvanceOn the 20th anniversary of the brutal school seizure in Beslan, Russian President Vladimir Putin draws a parallel between the attack at the time and the current deployment of the Ukrainian military in the Russian border region of Kursk. Just as Russia fought "terrorists" in Beslan back then, it must now combat "those who commit crimes in the region of Kursk," Putin says during his visit to Beslan.
19:43 Moscow Orthodox Church Criticizes Proposed Church Ban in Ukraine as "Unlawful"The Russian Orthodox faith denounces the proposed ban on the pro-Russian Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as decided by the Ukrainian legislature. They label this act as "unlawful" and a "flagrant disregard for the fundamental principles of religious freedom and human rights," as stated by the spokesperson for the Russian Orthodox Church, Vladimir Legoida, on Telegram. He issues a warning that enforcing this law may culminate in "extensive violence against countless believers." The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, also voices his concerns and refers to this period as a "challenging time" during his visit to the Solovki Monastery in northern Russia. He expresses that "many have turned against us, not because we're wrong, but merely because we're distinct." Kirill is a prominent advocate for the conflict against Ukraine. Previously, parliament members in Kiev had endorsed a draft law that permits the ban on religious organizations affiliated with Moscow.
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The European Union has expressed support for allowing Ukraine to use western weapons within Russian territory, as advocated by EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
The European Union is a significant partner for Moldova, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promising additional aid and solidarity for the EU candidate country during his visit to Moldova, despite internal political turmoil in Germany.
